Three years after their emotional victory at Wembley, Italy prepares to defend their European Championship crown on German soil. Italy’s 2020 triumph marked a resurgence for the Azzurri, but replicating that success will be difficult this time.
History is stacked against them, with only Spain achieving the feat of consecutive titles. La Roja were consecutive winners in 2008 and 2012.
Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, faces some challenges for Euro 2024. He must carefully blend experienced veterans from the championship-winning squad with exciting young talent. This process is trickier due to injuries and some players reaching the end of their careers.
Can Italy defy the odds and become the second team to win back-to-back Euros? Let’s explore their chances in this tournament. For the best game predictions for Euro 2024, check out the EaglePredict website. Betting specialists have created a Euro 2024 hub packed with in-depth analysis and predictions on this tournament.
Some Key Strengths of the Italian Team
Coach Experience and Tactics
A crucial factor that could contribute to Italy retaining the title is Luciano Spalletti’s experience and tactical strength. The gaffer is highly experienced and has recorded success with teams like Roma and Zenit St Petersburg earlier in his career. Spalletti’s crowning achievement came in 2022-2023 when he led Napoli to Serie A glory. This achievement won him Serie A manager of the year and gave Napoli their first Scudetto title since 33 years ago.
Spalletti’s tactical adaptability will be critical to Italy’s title defence. He can switch between high-pressure tactics to overpower opponents and is adept at deploying a systematic approach to break down defences. This flexibility makes Italy a formidable opponent in any match.
Their innovative formations and strategies underscore Spalletti’s game plan for Euro 2024. The Azzurri are keen to experiment with various systems to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.
By applying everything from traditional setups like the 4-3-3 to more unconventional arrangements like the 3-5-2, Italy seeks to merge a robust defensive groundwork with strong attacking intent.
Integration of Youth With Experienced Players
As the Azzurri gear up to defend their European championship, team manager Luciano Spalletti has shown a readiness to take risks on youthful players. Since assuming the role in August, Spalletti has been outspoken about the need for systemic change and has backed his rhetoric with decisive action.
After returning from tour to the US, the 65-year-old went to Ferrara’s Stadio Paolo Mazza to support Under-21 coach Carmine Nunziata during a crucial match against Turkey. Italy needs this kind of top-down leadership to rekindle its past grandeur. Spalletti has made it abundantly clear that age won’t be a barrier if a player’s skills are up to the mark.
Spalletti tried Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus) and Raoul Bellanova (Torino) on the right on the US expedition. By the time the Euros roll around, both will be 24, offering alternate backup options to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Cambiaso, with his inverted positioning, poses a more significant goal threat, having scored twice and provided three assists in Serie A in the 2023-24 season.
Bellanova, with one goal and five assists, prefers to hold a wider position for longer durations. If Spalletti chooses the 3-4-2-1 formation as his primary strategy, both could accompany the team to Germany.
Spalletti’s 28-man squad’s average age for the US tour was 25.8, a reduction from 27.3 at Euro 2020. Only five players have more than 30 international caps. Of Mancini’s championship-winning players, just nine participated, leaving Nicolò Barella as the most seasoned outfield player with 53 appearances.
Winning Mentality and Hunger For Success
As Spalletti begins the meticulous task of reshaping the squad, a tough decision looms: how to handle veteran players. Key figures like Marco Verratti may need to be transitioned out due to exceeding their prime or playing outside Europe’s elite leagues.
Maintaining their winning mentality from 2021 is yet another obstacle to overcome. The burden of replicating their past success could see them struggle to regain the intensity and determination that marked their previous campaign.
However, the Azzurri are not without significant advantages. Most of their top stars from the 2020 championship squad are still available. The formidable defensive alliance of Bonucci and Chiellini provided they remain injury-free, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the backline. Other seasoned players will help mentor the younger generation of players.
Jorginho’s renaissance at Arsenal has been a boon for Italy in a welcome turn of events. The Brazilian-born midfield maestro will likely face stiff competition from Manuel Locatelli for a berth in the starting eleven. Yet, the 32-year-old is anticipated to be the linchpin of a midfield that will undoubtedly feature the dynamic Nicolo Barella. These veterans’ mental fortitude could be instrumental in navigating through challenging encounters at Euro 2024.
The rise of promising talents like Federico Chiesa and Alessandro Bastoni infuses the team with renewed vigour and skill. Their desire to establish themselves in the national team could be a considerable advantage for the Italian squad.
Italy has so much potential. Their combination of experienced veterans, hungry young stars, and Spalletti’s sharp mind makes them a team to watch. Mixing experience and youthful strength could be their secret weapon to clinching consecutive Euro titles for the first time in their history.
Potential Challenges For Italy
Suspension and Injury To Key Players
Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban on illicit betting activities is a significant setback for the national team. The Italians also face the absence of Domenico Berardi, the Sassuolo winger whose prowess contributed to Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. A severe Achilles tendon rupture has sidelined him, with a return to the pitch not expected until the following year.
Destiny has dealt a similar blow to Udogie, who, while not a starter, could be a suitable reserve for the squad. A thigh injury requiring surgical intervention has postponed his return until next season.
Additionally, a microfracture has dashed Nicolo Zaniolo’s hopes of competing. His injury leaves coach Spalletti with diminished attacking options, as Zaniolo had been a dynamic force while on loan at Aston Villa.
Similarly, Marco Verratti, a linchpin in Italy’s previous European conquest, finds himself out of the selection pool. His ongoing fitness struggles and a career move to the United Arab Emirates have precluded his participation in the upcoming championship.
Furthermore, the prospect of an injury to goalkeeper Donnarumma looms as a potential crisis for Italy. With Alex Meret, Guglielmo Vicario, Marco Carnesecchi, and Ivan Provedel holding four international caps, Italy’s goalkeeping experience hangs in the balance. The Azzurri’s resilience will be tested as they navigate these turbulent waters.
Path To The Final
Italy’s journey to the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 won’t be a cakewalk. The Azzurri are pitted in Group B, aptly dubbed the “Group of Death.” They are set to confront formidable adversaries right from the start. They will face Spain, Croatia, and Albania. Italy’s performance in this challenging group will be a crucial gauge of their potential to clinch the title.
It’s important to note that the group stage while offering insightful glimpses into each team’s capabilities, does not solely determine the outcome of Euro 2024. Factors such as a favorable draw in the knockout stages, a healthy squad, and moments of individual magic are all influential.
Nonetheless, a robust performance during the group stage will put the Italians in the right frame for a deep run in this competition. It will allow Italy to gather momentum, fine-tune their strategies, and bolster the confidence of their players. It will also serve as a declaration of intent to their adversaries.
The discourse surrounding Italy’s performance in the group stage is bound to be lively. A commanding presence will infuse the Italian squad with positivity, instilling apprehension among their rivals. Yet, even if their performance doesn’t immediately dazzle, it shouldn’t be taken out of context.
Ultimately, the real measure of Italy’s championship aspirations will rest on their capacity to evolve, adjust, and surmount the hurdles they encounter during the tournament. While the group stage may subtly hint at their prospects, the Azzurri’s reaction to each challenge will decisively reveal if they can ascend to European glory once more.
Conclusion
Italy’s title defense hinges on their ability to overcome historical challenges, integrate young talent, and maintain their winning mentality.
The presence of experienced players, the emergence of exciting youngsters, and Spalletti’s tactical acumen offer reasons for optimism. However, Italy possesses the talent and experience to challenge for the title. Yet their path to retain the Euro title won’t be easy.
and then